Spennymoor teen cares for his brother with muscle condition

Spennymoor schoolboy William Jackson has been recognised at an awards ceremony that celebrated the effort he has made when he cares for his brother, who has a rare condition. 

William, 16, who is a year-11 student at Whitworth Park Academy received one of six President’s Awards from Muscular Dystrophy UK, the leading charity for more than 110,000 children and adults in the UK living with one of over 60 muscle-wasting and weakening conditions.

Muscular Dystrophy UK (Image: Muscular Dystrophy UK)

William described as ‘funny, caring, charming and super bright’ has selflessly taken on the role of providing care and support for his younger brother Louis, 12,  who was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

An avid fundraiser, the teen has also taken part in charity fundraising initiatives such as Bake a Difference and Go Bright.

During the recent Muscular Dystrophy UK awards, William won the Alexander and Valerie Patrick Award for Carer of the Year.

Muscular Dystrophy UK (Image: Muscular Dystrophy UK)

The ceremony hosted by the charity’s President and TV presenter, Gabby Logan MBE, on Monday, February 19, at the Salesforce Tower in the heart of the City of London, saw the return of an in-person event since the pandemic.

Muscular Dystrophy UK President’s Awards recognises heroes within the muscle wasting and weakening community who have gone above and beyond.

Muscular Dystrophy UK (Image: Muscular Dystrophy UK)

After receiving the Alexander and Valerie Patrick Award for Carer of the Year William said: “It was fantastic to receive this award. Caring for my younger brother has brought us together and helped to build our bond. As an older brother, I feel like it’s my duty and just becomes part of my everyday life.”

Gabby Logan, who presented William with the award, added: “We’re consistently blown away by the dedication and selflessness of people.

"The awards recognise those outstanding people doing remarkable things to help make a difference. Congratulations to William for winning one of the awards.

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There were six awards in total, recognising success in fundraising, caring, volunteering, community engagement and research, as well as an outstanding achievement award. 

Muscular Dystrophy UK’s Chief Executive, Catherine Woodhead, said: “Congratulations to William for winning one of Muscular Dystrophy UK President’s Awards.

"We received lots of strong nominations – making the judging process harder than ever."